How long should you wait after a dive before engaging in strenuous activities?

The guideline to wait at least 24 hours after completing multiple dives before engaging in strenuous activities is based on the need to allow your body adequate time to off-gas excess nitrogen that accumulates during diving. When divers are exposed to higher pressures underwater, their bodies absorb nitrogen from the air in their tanks. After ascending, the nitrogen needs to be eliminated safely to reduce the risk of decompression sickness, also known as "the bends."

Participating in strenuous activities too soon after diving can increase your risk of bubble formation by elevating your heart rate and blood pressure, which can drive nitrogen bubbles into the bloodstream. This is particularly crucial after multiple dives, where the body can be saturated with nitrogen.

Safety recommendations generally advise waiting this duration, especially after multiple dives or deep dives, to give your body a sufficient recovery period. Engaging in physical exertion just after diving could increase the chance of complications, so following the 24-hour guideline is a precautionary approach that promotes diver safety.